Body of Vizag Marine Engineer Killed in US Strike Arrives Today

Visakhapatnam: The mortal remains of Patnala Suresh, a marine chief engineer from Vizag who tragically lost his life in a US military strike on the commercial oil tanker MT Settebello off the coast of Oman last week, are set to reach the port city in the early hours of Friday. The body was sent from Muscat to Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon.

Following immigration formalities, the body will be transported by road in an ambulance from Hyderabad Airport to Visakhapatnam. Suresh, who was the chief engineer of the tanker, was one of three Indian crew members killed in the attack.

Authorities recovered Suresh’s passport, certificates, and luggage from the ship and shared a video with his grieving family a few days ago. Upon receiving this information, Suresh’s wife Bhargavi and other family members traveled to Hyderabad Airport to receive his remains. A deputy tehsildar was also dispatched by district authorities to assist with the process.

Suresh is survived by his wife and two sons. In response to the tragedy, Mukesh Mangal, additional secretary of ports, shipping, and waterways, directed the release of ₹10 lakh as financial assistance to each of the deceased seafarers. Dr. P Krishna Prasad, CEO of the AP Non-Resident Telugu Society, has urged the district collector to ensure the bereaved family receives the aid promptly.